relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur
source: WordNet 3.0
small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines
source: WordNet 3.0
A small European insectivore (Erinaceus Europæus), and other allied species of Asia and Africa, having the hair on the upper part of its body mixed with prickles or spines. It is able to roll itself into a ball so as to present the spines outwardly in every direction. It is nocturnal in its habits, feeding chiefly upon insects.
source: Webster 1913
A variety of transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a bristling appearance, whence the name.